Benefits:

401(k)

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Vision insurance

Sacramento County Bar Association

Executive Director Job Description

October 28, 2024

The Sacramento County Bar Association (SCBA) is one of the state’s oldest and most illustrious business associations for lawyers and the industries and professionals that serve the legal profession. Celebrating 106 years of service to attorneys and other professionals in 2024, the SCBA is a multi-faceted 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to promoting justice and enhancing diversity in the Sacramento region’s legal community.

With a $650,000 annual operating budget and a small but highly qualified staff, SCBA organizes and hosts events and programs, and offers quality continuing legal education in dozens of legal practice areas guided by an active executive committee, board of directors, and other engaged bar leaders. SCBA is also “home” to 22 sections and divisions that focus on specialized practice areas. The sections and divisions also organize events and continuing education programming.

Often serving as the face of the organization, the executive director is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of SCBA and the sections, including staff, vendors, and contractors, special events, in-house programs, bookkeeping, and fundraising. The executive director is hired by and directly accountable to the board of directors through the board president. The executive director’s direct supervisor is the board president.

The SCBA Board of Directors seeks a strong leader with excellent customer service instincts, strong business and accounting management, and fundraising skills. The incumbent shall foster and maintain a respectful, productive and comfortable working environment for staff and partners. Of paramount importance is the applicant’s ability to maintain effective working relationships with the SCBA executive committee, board, employees and stakeholders. While knowledge of the legal community is helpful, it is not required to be successful in managing this membership association.

The following represent the general duties and responsibilities of the SCBA Executive Director:

Governance

· Understand 501(c)(6) trade association and/or membership operations.

· Guide by-laws and strategic plan adherence and updates.

Personnel

· Lead and direct staff; maintain personnel records, payroll, and health care benefits, and assure full compliance with payroll, taxes, labor codes, and insurance.

· Provide ongoing feedback and direction to staff and perform annual staff reviews to ensure opportunities for staff development, growth, and improvement.

· Direct work of contractors/vendors, and exercise discretion to change as appropriate.

· Establish a positive, healthy, and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations.

· Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices including the development and updates of job descriptions for all staff.

· Make recommendations to the board on staffing requirements for SCBA’s management and program delivery.

· Recruit, interview, train, and elevate staff.

Management and Operations

Ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its board of directors, staff, members and the associated community.

Draft operating and other policies for the approval of the board and prepare procedures to implement the SCBA’s policies.

· Report regularly to the board on progress toward organizational objectives, financial status and other issues of concern; propose new policies as appropriate.

· Recommend goals and objectives for the executive director and SCBA staff at least annually.

Financial Accountability

· Assume fiscal responsibility for the operation of the association and its assets, ensuring comprehensive, transparent, and ethical financial practices at all times.

· Collaborate with the board to develop the annual budget, providing insights, and recommendations based on previous financial performance, market trends, and strategic goals. Ensure the budget aligns with SCBA's mission and operational objectives.

· Monitor financial performance against the approved budget throughout the fiscal year to ensure strict compliance, assess success, and identify areas for improvement.

· Oversee annual fundraising events to meet budget goals; council board on improved strategies to expand fundraising at lowest cost.

· Supervise the work of contracted financial professionals, including the bookkeeper and CPA, ensuring meticulous stewardship of SCBA funds and accounts. This includes overseeing accounts payable and receivable, payroll processing, financial reporting, and oversight of section revenues and expenses.

· Evaluate and recommend preferred agency insurance policies.

· Ensure compliance with required local, state and federal administrative and financial filings.

· Lead the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures, ensuring that all financial operations adhere to established standards of accountability and transparency.

Membership

· Orchestrate timely annual membership campaign.

· Work with the Membership Committee to implement strategies and programs to increase membership and provide member benefits.

· Ensure integrity of membership database.

Promotion and Marketing

· Manage advertising and sponsorship opportunities, propose new or different strategies and tactics as appropriate.

· Work with editor to publish Sacramento Lawyer magazine (3 times per year, largely e-format with some print editions).

· Edit and publish weekly e-newsletter.

Sections, Divisions, Affiliates & Partners

· Enhance communications between the 22 subject matter sections and divisions and SCBA leaders, emphasizing collaboration.

· Oversee management and transparency of section and division finances, recommending ideas for improvement as appropriate.

· Support and assist with section, division, and affiliate continuing education programs and events.

· Collaborate with affiliate organizations on programming.

The following represent minimum education and skills requirements:

· A minimum of five years’ experience in nonprofit management, with familiarity of and experience in the Sacramento region.

· No fewer than three years in a leadership position overseeing staff.

· A bachelor’s degree in business or related field from an accredited four-year college or university.

· Proven track record managing complex financial issues and diverse personalities.

· Understanding of basic bookkeeping and accounting practices and principles, especially as they relate to managing a nonprofit, membership organization.

· Computer proficiency on Microsoft operating systems.

· Proficiency in learning and navigating complex databases, programs and apps.

· Excellent written and verbal communication.

The following are desirable skills:

· Knowledge, familiarity or work experience in the legal profession and or within the judicial branch.

· Ability to learn/recommend new technology, computer programs, and membership platforms.

The incumbent shall possess and demonstrate the following qualities:

· Be courteous and professional.

· Act with integrity and honesty.

· Show compassion to employees, directors, members, and stakeholders.

About This Position

· This is an office-based position consistent with local health guidelines and directives. There is ample no-cost parking, and there are convenient public transit options.

· This is a full-time exempt position. Standard hours are 8:30 to 5:30 Monday through Fridays with some after hours and weekend work.

· Position includes employer paid medical and dental insurance, accrued leave program (PTO), Paid Sick Leave in accordance with state regulations, and 9 paid holidays per calendar year.

· Voluntary 401k program and employer paid Safe Harbor plan.

· Annual compensation $100,000-$110,000.

· SCBA is a 501(c)(6) business association. We are an equal opportunity employer. Visit sacbar.org for more about us.

How to Apply

· Applications are due by 5:00 PM on November 15, 2024.

· Please include the following information as your application packet:

o Cover letter that includes a current phone number and email address where we may contact you.

o Resume.

o List of three to five professional references that includes your references’ current contact phone numbers and email addresses. Please include a brief description of how each reference knows you/your work.

· Applications must be submitted electronically. Please send an email with your cover letter, resume, and list of references as attachments to tshettle@sacbar.org. Put “Executive Director” in the subject line.

· Please convert your attachments to PDF prior to attaching/sending.